We, the undersigned citizens of the Mid Ohio Valley, would like to inform Gray Television of our perspective of WTAP Parkersburg/Marietta.
Being that the station is a small market area, we understand that we are not going to have the more seasoned reporters, anchors, and meteorologists and as the ones we do have gain experience and then they move on to larger markets. Some do stay as they find themselves rooted in the Mid Ohio Valley.The problems we are having, go well beyond this. We feel that there could be better local programming, as well as improved and unbiased news reporting.
A recent occurrence involving a scandal with our city's mayor, has prompted citizens to look elsewhere, including an online independent news source, as well as the local newspaper, to get news and updates on this subject. WTAP has seemed to purposely avoid reporting on the subject and the local "buzz" about the station has become "they are sleeping with city hall." The station's news has become so poor, it has prompted a Facebook page titled "WTAP News Sucks", which is gaining membership daily. Comments on the site range from, "errors made on the 6 o'clock airing, repeated on the 11 o'clock, and even Daybreak the following morning" and all the way to "I don't watch anymore.....it is pathetic!"
Once again, we realize how fortunate we are to have a local TV station in our small market area, but we would like to be able to rely on their reporting, get unbiased news, and improved local programming. We hope Gray Television will take this informational petition to heart and look into ways to make WTAP better and more reputable, not only for you, but for the local citizens so they can trust, as well as enjoy, our local station once again.
Thank you for your time,
Citizens of the Mid Ohio Valley
